2016 Ford F-53 problems
The medium-duty version of the Ford F-Series is a range of commercial trucks manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 1948. Derived from the smaller F-Series pickup trucks, the medium-duty range is currently in its eighth generation. Initially slotted between the F-Series pickup trucks and the "Big Job" conventionals, later generations were slotted below the L-Series "Louisville" trucks; the last two generations are the largest vehicles produced by Ford since its exit from the heavy-truck segment.
The medium-duty F-Series has been used for an extensive number of applications, offered as a straight (rigid) truck and a truck-tractor (for semitrailers) in multiple cab configurations. Prior to the production of the Ford C-Series, the model line was also offered in a cab-over engine (COE) configuration; a cowled-chassis variant (the Ford B-series) was used for bus production.
For the 2000 model year, the medium-duty F-Series has been branded as part of the Ford Super Duty range, consisting of the Class 6–7 Ford F-650 and F-750; Class 8 versions of the F-750 have been produced since 2011. The current generation of the medium-duty F-Series is manufactured by Ford in its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), replacing a joint venture with Navistar International named Blue Diamond Truck Company LLC located in General Escobedo, Mexico.
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Common 2016 Ford F-53 problems
The 2016 Ford F-53 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to equipment, transmission, brakes, suspension, and steering. Here are the details of these problems:
- Equipment: The most common issue reported is related to equipment, with over 3.6 million cars affected. The NHTSA campaign number for this issue is 07V336000, and it was reported on March 8, 2007. The problem is related to the transmission shift cable, which could cause the transmission to shift into reverse without the brakes being applied, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement, potentially resulting in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property.
- Transmission: The transmission system has been reported to have issues, with three recalls related to it. The first recall, numbered 15S25, is related to the transmission shift cable bracket. Certain motorhomes built on Ford F-53 and F-59 chassis may have been built with an incorrect shift cable bracket, which could allow the transmission to be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement, potentially resulting in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. The second recall, numbered 21V202000, is related to the transmission shift cable bracket, and the third recall, numbered 15S25, is also related to the transmission shift cable bracket.
- Brakes: The brakes system has been reported to have two recalls related to it. The first recall, numbered 15S25, is related to the transmission shift cable bracket, and the second recall, numbered 21V202000, is also related to the transmission shift cable bracket.
- Suspension: The suspension system has been reported to have two recalls related to it. The first recall, numbered 21V202000, is related to the suspension, and the second recall, numbered 15S25, is also related to the suspension.
- Steering: The steering system has been reported to have one recall related to it, numbered 15S25, which is related to the transmission shift cable bracket.
In summary, the most common problem reported for the 2016 Ford F-53 is related to equipment, specifically the transmission shift cable, which could cause the transmission to shift into reverse without the brakes being applied, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement, potentially resulting in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. There are also several recalls related to the transmission, brakes, suspension, and steering systems.
What is the suspension problem with the Ford F53?
The F53 problem stems from the long front parabolic suspension springs. What happens is they start to oscillate which then starts the steering wheel oscillatory which then transfers to the body.
What is the life expectancy of a suspension system?
50,000 to 100,000 miles
While the longevity of a suspension system can vary based on many factors, including driving habits or road conditions, it typically lasts for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. For many drivers, it's time to replace the suspension system's shocks or struts after seven or eight years of use.
What is the most common problem in suspension system?
Here are some common reasons that can lead to suspension failures while driving: Worn-out Shocks or Struts: Over time, shocks and struts wear out, impacting their ability to absorb bumps and compromising control. Broken or Damaged Springs: Springs support the car's.
How much does it cost to replace an entire suspension system?
between $1,000 and $5,000
How much does it cost to repair a car's suspension? The average cost to repair a car's suspension system can range between $1,000 and $5,000. But if only certain components need replacing, you might spend less than that.
What is the suspension problem with the Ford F53?
The F53 problem stems from the long front parabolic suspension springs. What happens is they start to oscillate which then starts the steering wheel oscillatory which then transfers to the body.
What is the most common problem in suspension system?
Here are some common reasons that can lead to suspension failures while driving: Worn-out Shocks or Struts: Over time, shocks and struts wear out, impacting their ability to absorb bumps and compromising control. Broken or Damaged Springs: Springs support the car's.
Where is the Ford F53 chassis made?
Detroit Chassis has produced its largest-volume vehicle, the Ford F-53 motor home chassis since 1999, with production starting just eleven months after work began on the facility.
How do I know if suspension is bad?
To check, try giving your car the bounce test. To do this, push your entire weight down on your car's bonnet. Release it and then count the number of times the car bounces. Any more than three bounces means there's a problem with either your shock absorbers or struts.
2016 Ford F-53 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F-53 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Ford F-53 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2016 Ford F-53 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Ford F-53.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-17
- VIN: 1F64F5DY8G0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Fleetwood Flair RV built on a 2016 Ford F53 Chassis. The contact stated that the dealer had repaired the seat belt bolts upon purchasing the RV; however, while her husband was driving approximately 55-65 MPH in the mountains with her in the front passenger’s side seat, the front driver's side seat belt detached from the wall while it was buckled. The contact's husband pulled to the side of the road. Upon inspecting the front passenger's side seat belt, the contact's husband noticed that it was also loosened. The RV was taken to the dealer and was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer should contact them to obtain the schematic of the wall where the seat belts were supposed to be bolted. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-03
- VIN: 1F66F5DY2G0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD F-53. WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THOR MOTOR COACH (701 COUNTY ROAD 15, ELKHART, IN 46516) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED OF A DIAGNOSIS; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO CAMPING WORLD OF OAKWOOD (4696 SMITHSON BLVD, OAKWOOD, GA 30566, (888) 425-9114), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSIS A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,078.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-20
- VIN: 1F66F5DY2G0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: PURCHASED NEW IN AUGUST, 2016. ONE MONTH LATER WE DROVE OUR NEW MOTORHOME SOUTHWEST INTO NM AND AZ. AT 2735 MILES ON THE ODOMETER IN CENTRAL NM WE GOT TWO BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WHILE TRAVELING WEST ON I-40 AT 65 MPH. WE STOPPED TO INSPECT SYSTEM. FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE EXTREMELY HOT! FRONT MASTER CYLINDER CHAMBER SPILLED OUT EXTREMELY HOT BRAKE FLUID! I ADJUSTED IT'S LEVEL THEN CHECKED REAR CHAMBER. IT WAS ABOUT 2' BELOW CORRECT LEVEL. I FILLED TO CORRECT LEVEL. FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE THIS I NOTICED A VERY HARD BRAKE PEDAL WITH DECREASING BRAKE EFFICIENCY. WE STOPPED IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM AND CONTACTED BOTH FORD DEALERS ADVERTISING RV/TRUCK SERVICE. WE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT 7 WORKING DAYS JUST TO GET INTO THEIR SHOPS! THEY DID SCAN OUR VEHICLE AND TURNED OFF THE WARNING LIGHTS. THIS HAS REACCURED TWICE SINCE THEN. OUR MOTORHOME CURRENTLY HAS 7785 MILES ON IT AND WE CAN'T TRUST THE BRAKES. BEING IN THE CAR BUSINESS FOR OVER 50 YEARS MY GUESS IS THIS SYSTEM IS TRYING TO STOP OUR 18,000 POUNDS WITH FRONT BRAKES ONLY. WE PULL A 2011 JEEP WRANGLER WITH IT. THE JEEP HAS A FULLY FUNCTIONAL 'BRAKE BUDDY' ALWAYS INSTALLED AND OPERATING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-27
- VIN: 1F66F5DY0G0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ELECTRICAL TRANSFER SWITCH BUZZES AFTER ONE TO TWO HOURS OF PLUGGING IN. LOUDER AFTER MORE HOURS. HYDRAULIC JACK PUMP REPLACED TWICE IN FIRST YEAR AND NEEDS REPAIR OR REPLACE AGAIN AFTER 13 MONTHS.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-22
- VIN: 1F65F5DY1G0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PURCHASED NEW. TOOK HOME FROM DEALER AFTER CUSTOMER INSPECTION BUT BATTERIES WERE DEAD PREVENTING FULL OPERATION OF AMENITIES. SIX DAYS AFTER BEING HOME, WE WERE GOING TO TAKE THE MOTORHOME ON A TRIP. KITCHEN SLIDE WAS OPEN SINCE WE BROUGHT IT HOME. TRY TO RETRACT KITCHEN SLIDE AND IT JAMMED. PROBLEM IS THE ROOM SLIDE IS TOO BIG FOR THE OPENING IN THE WALL CAUSING UNIT TO BIND (ONE MOTOR WORKS, OTHER DOES NOT) OVERLOADING AND BURNING OUT MOTORS. ALSO, METAL SCREWS DRIVEN IN TO CHANNEL IN WALL GOING TO SLIDE MOTORS PENETRATED RED WIRE TO FRONT SLIDE MOTOR. MOTORHOME HAD 270 MILES ON IT WHEN BROUGHT HOME AND SLIDE JAMMED ON FIRST CLOSING OPERATION BY CONSUMER/OWNER. PROBLEM NOTED WHEN IN YARD AT HOME (STATIONARY) BUT DIAGNOSED AT DEALER.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-01
- VIN: 1F65F5DEY3G
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING FROM A DEAD STOP THE ENGINE CUTS BACK TO IDLE, PAUSES THEN SPEEDS BACK TO NORMAL THEN GOES THRU THIS CYCLE TWO OR THREE TIMES BEFORE GETTING UP TO SPEED.. IT IS DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-01
- VIN: 1F66F5DY8F0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: ATWOOD HEATER COVER VENTS FACING INWARD CAUSING WATER TO SHORT CIRCUITS. COULD CAUSE FIRE AND BURN RV. WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM ARMS FELL APART WHILE IN USE RENDERI G SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. THOR MOTORCOACH WILL NOT SEND PARTS AND THESE ARE KNOWN DEFECTS TO THEM. HAVE SUBMITTED PICTURES AND IGNORED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-15
- VIN: 1F65F5DY7G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: INOPERABLE TOW/HAUL MODE. 2016 FORD F53 STRIPPED CHASSIS FOR MOTORHOME CONSTRUCTION. NEWMAR BAY STAR SPORT 2705. THE TOW/HAUL MODE IS A MODE THAT ALLOWS UTILIZING ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FOR VEHICLE DECELERATION, ESPECIALLY DOWN HILL. IF THE TOW/HAUL MODE IS OPERATING PROPERLY, THIS DYNAMIC BRAKING CAN EASE THE LOAD ON THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES. OVERHEATED BRAKES CAN RESULT IF THE TOW/HAUL IS INOPERABLE. OVERHEATED BRAKES IS MOST DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. THE TOW/HAUL MODE HAS BEEN MADE OPERATIONAL FROM A THIRD PARTY VENDOR, SO IT IS FIXABLE BY SOFTWARE ALONE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE 3RD PARTY COST IS IN THE RANGE OF $500. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT THE OEM OF THE POWERTRAIN (FORD) CAN AND SHOULD FIX AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IT HAS BEEN INOPERABLE SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASE (1-15-2016).
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-28
- VIN: 1F65F5DY1G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TOW / HAUL MODE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY ITS ON ALL THE TIME COMING DOWN A GRADE IF YOU LET OFF THE GAS IT STARTS TO DO A HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION EVEN IF ITS NOT NECESSARY ITS NOT THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO WORK THERE IS A BUTTON TO TURN ON OR OFF THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-06
- VIN: 1F65F5DY6G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 2016 THOR HURRICANE MOTOR HOME WITH THE FORD F53 18K CHASSIS HAS A TOW-HAUL MODE IN THE TRANSMISSION. ACCORDING TO ALL FORD PUBLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE OWNER'S MANUAL, WHEN IN THE TOW-HAUL MODE THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD DOWNSHIFT EACH TIME THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ON MY UNIT AND NUMEROUS OTHER UNITS WITH THE 16K AND 18K GVWR CHASSIS. I BASE THIS ON NUMEROUS COMMENTS ON THE IRV2 FORUM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION IN HILLY/MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WHERE LONG AND STEEP DOWN GRADES ARE ENCOUNTERED. WITHOUT THE ENGINE BRAKING SUPPOSED TO BE DELIVERED BY THE TOW-HAUL FUNCTION, ALL BRAKING MUST BE DONE BY THE SERVICE BRAKES. ON LONG GRADES THIS CAN RESULT IN OVERHEATED BRAKES THAT LOSE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS, CREATING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-14
- VIN: 1F64F5DY8G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2016 JAYCO ALANTE MOTORHOME ON A FORD F53 CHASSIS 16000 GVWR. WHEN OPERATING IN THE TOW/HAUL MODE, NO ENGINE BRAKING IS AVAILABLE AS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL (PAGE 32, 33). THIS CAUSES A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE CONDITION IN ALL MODES OF TRAVEL, ESPECIALLY DESCENDING A HILL OR MOUNTAIN AS BRAKE OVERHEATING OR FAILURE OR FIRE COULD OCCUR. I HAVE READ OTHER SIMILAR REPORTS ON SEVERAL RV FORUMS TO INCLUDE IRV2.COM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS TOLD OTHERS THAT THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM, BUT MY PREVIOUS TWO MOTORHOMES WITH SIMILAR ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT PERFORMED PERFECTLY AS ADVERTISED.THIS CONDITION SHOULD DEFINITELY BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-30
- VIN: 1F66F5DY6G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 2016ITASCA MOTORHOME ON A 2016 FORD F53 26000 POUND CHASSIS. THE FORD POWERTRAIN IS EQUIPPED WITH A TOW/HAUL SELECTOR. THE TOW/HAUL MODE IS USED FOR VARIOUS REASONS, ONE OF THEM IS THE CAPABILITY OF AUTOMATICALLY DOWN-SHIFTING WHEN DESCENDING STEEP GRADES AND DURING HARD-STOPS. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH MY 2016 POWERTRAIN, IT ACTS NO DIFFERENT WHEN IN TOW/HAUL OR NOT.THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITON ON DECENDING HILLS. BRAKES COULD FAIL DUE TO OVERHEATING.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-04
- VIN: 1F65F5DY6G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 2016 THOR MOTORHOME ON A 2016 FORD F53 18000 POUND CHASSIS. THE FORD POWERTRAIN IS EQUIPPED WITH A TOW/HAUL SELECTOR. THE TOW/HAUL MODE IS USED FOR VARIOUS REASONS, ONE OF THEM IS THE CAPABILITY OF AUTOMATICALLY DOWN-SHIFTING WHEN DESCENDING STEEP GRADES AND DURING HARD-STOPS. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH MY 2016 POWERTRAIN, IT SIMPLY ISN'T WORKING AT ALL. NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NORMAL-MODE AND TOW/HAUL MODE. THIS IS "MAJOR" SAFETY ISSUE WHEN DESCENDING GRADES OR PANIC STOPPING AS YOU HAVE ZERO "ENGINE-BREAKING". I HAVE DRIVEN MY NEW MOTORHOME ABOUT 1000 MILES SINCE PURCHASING IN FEBRUARY 2016. WHEN EXITING OFF THE INTERSTATE FOR FUEL STOPS OR REST AREAS I HAD TO REALLY APPLY THE CHASSIS BRAKES MUCH HARDER THEN "NORMAL" DUE TO NO ENGINE-BREAKING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND ACCORDING TO SOCIAL MEDIA AS WELL AS OTHER PUBLIC FORUMS, IRV2, THOR FORUMS, ETC. THERE ARE NUMEROUS EARLY MODEL 2016 F53 FORD CHASSIS WITH THE SAME "DANGEROUS" ISSUE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-20
- VIN: 1F65F5DY6G0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: PAGE 32 OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES IN PART, "THE TOW HAUL FEATURE: PROVIDES ENGINE BRAKING IN ALL FORWARD GEARS, WHICH WILL SLOW YOUR VEHICLE AND ASSIST YOU IN CONTROLLING YOUR VEHICLE WHEN DESCENDING A GRADE." I HAVE DESCENDED SEVERAL 8 PERCENT GRADES WITH THE TOW HAUL FEATURE OF MY TRANSMISSION ENGAGED AND HAD TO ENGAGE MY BRAKES EXCESSIVELY BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT DOWNSHIFT TO PROVIDE ENGINE BRAKING AS DESCRIBED. THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE OR PREMATURE BRAKE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO 2 AUTHORIZED FORD SERVICE SHOPS WITH THIS COMPLAINT WITHOUT RECEIVING ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION. THE FEEDBACK I HAVE RECEIVED IS THAT FORD DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THE 2016 FORD F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS ON A OWNERS FORUM WEBSITE: WWW.IRV2.COM/FORUMS/53. MY TESTIMONY IS POSTED UNDER HFBUNDY. OTHER OWNERS DESCRIBING ISSUE WITH THE TOW FUNCTION INCLUDE SUPERLUCKY, STUART W, YELLOWBOAT, JHARRELL, AND ED RZEPKA. I PURCHASED THIS UNIT IN SEPTEMBER 2015. ALSO, MY SERVICE ADVISER WHERE I PURCHASED MY MOTORHOME SAYS HE HAS HEARD OF ISSUES INVOLVING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TOW HAUL MODE FOR THIS MODEL.
2016 Ford F-53 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2016 Ford F-53.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis trucks manufactured June 1, 2015, to August 11, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of 'PARK' without applying the brakes.
- Consequence: If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S25.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Ford F-53 problems:
The real problems and fixes for the Ford F53 chassis.. - iRV2 Forums
Mar 16, 2016 ... First off, I am a professional, expert in the automotive and RV chassis field.. So what do I hear in the field??? the most common complaints ...
Suspension Upgrades: 2011 Ford F53 Chassis - Page 2 - Chassis ...
May 16, 2016 ... What baffles me is that for over a decade Ford has been aware of the common problems MH owners have had with the F53 chassis ride and handling ...
2015 F53 Chassis V10 self destructs - iRV2 Forums
May 17, 2022 ... seems like with so many of the same codes, it would be very odd for all of them to have issues. Perhaps something common between all the coil ...
Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Class A Motorhomes: leaning to ...
This is a known problem for the F53 ford chassis. Manufactures wanted a soft ride and ford gave it to them, but the springs are not strong ...
Breaking F53 Rear Sway Bar Brackets - Thor Forums
Aug 31, 2018 ... I'd posted this on a handling mods thread, but believe it more appropriate here. This appears to be a common issue with the Ford F53 gas.
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